Information technology adoption and manager's acceptance: its effect on managerial productivity in fast food chain outlets in the Klang Valley / Norzaidah Ngali

The rapid development of technologies such as information technology in the foodservice industry requires personnel skilled in information technology (IT) to run the business effectively and efficiently. Specifically, technologies are adopted by franchisors as strategic tools to gain competitive advantage in the industry. By the same token, it applies to fast food chains in Malaysia. However, having technology available is not enough, it must be accepted and used appropriately by its target user group in order to realize anticipated productivity gains. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship and the effect between IT adoption in the fast food chain, managers' acceptance of IT as adopted by the companies and managerial productivity of managers who are attached in the fast food chain outlets in the Klang Valley area. A random survey on 326 managers from participating food chain outlets was conducted with regard to their acceptance of IT adoption leading to their productivity, with a net response rate of 52.45%. The result of this study shows that IT Quality and perceived usefulness (PU) have significant (positive) relationship and effect on managerial productivity (MP). In contrast, ease of use (EOU) has insignificant (negative) relationship and consequently it has no significant effect on MP. Meanwhile, results of this study depicts that there is no significant differences in EOU of IT adoption among the managers with different demographic profiles and technology related behaviors except for prior internet experience at work. However, there is no significant difference in PU of IT adoption. Based on the findings, it is hoped that this study will further enhance knowledge in the human resources field and training, with respect to managers' attitude and awareness towards IT adoption in restaurant operations. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future directions for research are presented.